Scottish football fans have drawn a collective deep breath at the prospect of opening World Cup 98 against Brazil.

Craig Brown: honoured to play Brazil

Scotland play the opening game of the tournament in Paris on June 10 against a side they have never beaten, with coach Craig Brown admitting: "We are honoured I think to play on the same pitch as the famous gold jerseys of Brazil."

Also in group A are Norway and Morocco, with two of the four going through to the knock-out stage.

Scotland got an early indication of what they can expect when the Brazilian striker Ronaldo scored twice in the 5-2 victory by The Rest of the World over Europe.

"Although we'll be worried about him and we'll take great pains to look after him ... we've got one or two not bad players as well," said Brown.

Scotland have never reached the knock-out stage of the finals and they have a tough job this time in a group containing Brazil, Norway and Morocco.

The Brazilian coach was dismissive of the Scottish challenge. "I know that Brazil will have the measure of Scotland as I know the British style of play ... and it doesn't intimidate me," said Mario Zagallo.

Scotland have drawn twice and lost five times to Brazil, the most recent a 1-0 reverse in the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy.

Norway are also a tough prospect, despite Scotland's record of played 11, won seven, drawn three and lost just one against the Scandinavians

Norway's coach, Egil Olsen, believes it will be either his side or the Scots who qualify in second place behind the Brazilians.

"I'm glad we will play Brazil in the final game of the group, as that could determine whether we go through. We will be going in with some confidence after recent results."

Morocco were the first African nation to make the last 16, in the Mexican finals in 1986, and won five of their six qualifying matches.

But coach Henri Michel is concerned about Scotland. "I think three teams will be fighting for one place and they will be very difficult for us. I am worried about the physical side of the game when we play Scotland and Norway."

Scottish players seem to have no worries after the draw. Celtic midfielder Craig Burley said: "All the boys will be looking forward to it." Derby defender Christian Dailly added: "It's going to be a brilliant game."
 
Craig Brown reacts to Scotland's World Cup opponents. Dur. 1' 51"

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